Many Things Maryborough

01/10/2025

Maryborough District Health Service has provided an update on the final phase of the Maryborough Hospital redevelopment.

The old Urgent Care Centre has now been removed, clearing the way for restoration works on the historic 1860s façade.

Out the front, the area is being reshaped into a turning circle and patient drop-off zone, with short-term accessible parking to follow.

Construction crews have also been working on a new pedestrian ramp from Clarendon Street to the main entrance, designed to create a safe and welcoming pathway for all visitors.

To the right of the old hospital entrance, the retaining wall for the expanded carpark has been completed, and the ground compacted, ready for surfacing.

Once these works are finalised, native landscaping will add the finishing touches. The $115 million redevelopment remains on track for completion by the end of the year.

In the meantime, there is a drop-off point and accessible entrance via Neill Street for those visiting the hospital.

29/09/2025

Maryborough's R U Safe Driving School have come out swinging today, declaring loud and clear that VicRoads is an essential service for country Victoria.

“We are here! We will be heard!” they posted, warning the state government not to forget that Victoria isn’t just Melbourne — it’s country people too.

And those country people, they said, “know how to fight to be heard!”

Locals are being urged not to sit this one out, with a community meeting set for tonight from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Maryborough Education Centre’s Performing Arts Centre.

The fight to keep VicRoads local is heating up — and Maryborough residents are making sure their voices can’t be ignored.

26/09/2025

Maryborough Police were back in the classroom recently, visiting Year 10 students at Maryborough Education Centre to talk through what policing looks like day to day, the range of roles in the force, and the pathways open to anyone considering emergency service careers.

On the face of it, these sessions are designed to build connections – a chance for young people to ask questions directly and see the human side of the uniform. Officers say they value the opportunity to engage with students, break down barriers, and highlight how police fit into the wider community.

But there’s also a bigger picture at play. With public trust in policing facing challenges in recent years – particularly among younger generations more inclined to question authority – visits like this inevitably double as a public relations exercise.

They not only showcase the work of police, but also serve to rebuild confidence and encourage students to view law enforcement as a worthwhile path. Critics suggest such programs are as much about image and grooming future recruits as they are about education.

Still, for the students who took part, it was a rare and valuable chance to put questions directly to their local officers, while for police it was an exercise in both outreach and reputation – shaping how the next generation sees the badge.

24/09/2025

The Maryborough Hospital Community Opening was held on Saturday, beginning with a Welcome to Country! 🔥

17/09/2025

Congratulations to Golden Country Motel and Caravan Park in Maryborough on taking out the Elizabeth White Green Park Award, presented by Elizabeth White to owners Theresa and Dirk Arnold! 👏🏼‍

The Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria awards night honoured caravan parks leading the way in environmental sustainability – and Golden Country has well and truly set the benchmark.

Under Dirk and Theresa’s leadership, the park has rolled out major eco-friendly upgrades, including solar batteries, smart air conditioning, and external sunblock blinds.

14/09/2025

Highview College has proudly announced its 2026 student leadership team, which includes Dylan Flowers and Isaac Scott, supported by Charmaine Soulsby and Emily Beavis.

The school congratulated the students on their achievement, saying they are already proud of the way each of them represent the school and embody its GRACE values.

Staff expressed confidence the new leaders will guide the school community with “passion, determination, ambition and kindness,” and said they look forward to supporting them as they foster connection and create positive impact in the year ahead.

13/09/2025

Maryborough District Health Service marked Wear It Purple Day recently, joining the national campaign that puts a spotlight on support for LGBTQIA+ young people and the broader rainbow community.

Staff and residents across Avoca, Dunolly and Wattle Rise took part, dressing in purple, joining activities, and putting on a pride-themed playlist, while purple-decorated donuts were also on offer.

11/09/2025

Maryborough District Health Service is inviting the Central Goldfields, Pyrenees, and surrounding communities to mark the opening of the new Maryborough Hospital.

The event will run from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 20 September, with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 10am to serve as the highlight of the day.

The hospital has been developed in close collaboration with Djaara Traditional Owners, featuring design elements and artworks that honour local heritage and ensure the space is culturally safe.

Among these is canopy design and pavement artwork created by Dja Dja Wurrung artist Troy Firebrace, which sits at the main hospital entrance.

MDHS Chief Executive Officer Nickola Allan said the day is both a thank-you to the community and a chance to reflect on the significance of the project.

“This is a once-in-a-generation transformation for our region,” she boasted. “The hospital is more than bricks and mortar – it provides world-class care close to home.”

“The artworks and cultural elements developed with local Traditional Owners and First Nations artists highlight the importance of connection and respect for local heritage.”

The celebration will include guided hospital tours every 30 minutes from 11am, a free sausage sizzle by the Carisbrook Lions Club, plus displays and a colouring-in corner for kids.

“This is a celebration of community, collaboration, culture and healthcare,” added Nickola. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone inside and share this milestone together.”

02/09/2025

The Maryborough community was among those shaken by the heartbreaking news of the Porepunkah shooting last week.

Among the victims was Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, whose connection to Maryborough runs strong. After graduating from the Police Academy, Vadim began his career here.

Cr Jake Meyer remembered him as someone who always wanted to help you out, Cr Gerard Murphy recalled seeing him often at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre, and Mayor Grace La Vella described the loss as tragic.

A much-respected officer and a friendly face in our community, Vadim’s loss will not be forgotten. Thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and all who knew him.

31/08/2025

Maryborough Rotary were back at Bristol Hill Tower this weekend, doing what they do best – rolling up the sleeves and getting stuck in. But this time there was a twist: the local CFA rolled the truck in and gave the old girl a proper rinse! 🚒💦

Not the kind that knocks your socks off, just a steady spray to wash away years of cobwebs, stains, and grime. By the end of it, the tower was gleaming, standing proud like it had just had a facelift! 😮 👏🏼‍

Rotary didn’t stop at the tower, either. They mowed the whole precinct, trimmed it neat, and freshened up the car park posts with a new coat of paint. Between the CFA hoses and Rotary paintbrushes, the place has never looked better! 🖌️👌🏻

It’s the kind of community spirit that keeps our icons alive – neighbours coming together, having a laugh, and leaving the town that little bit brighter. Great stuff, and a reminder that when locals pitch in, magic happens! 🙏🏻‍☺️

30/08/2025

A fond farewell to Vikki at Maryborough's Coco Red Hair & Beauty salon! ✂️ 👋🏻

She’s left us before and come back for round two… but this time our salon legend is hanging up the scissors for good 😭 From keeping us in stitches with laughter, to guiding our team through life’s ups & downs, to doubling as a counsellor while doing hair, she’s done it all. We’ll miss the entertainment, the wisdom, and the banter. Good luck on your next adventure… but don’t be surprised if we keep a chair warm just in case you decide to come back for round three 😉✂️🤍

We would love to hear your favourite Vikki memory, post them in the comments! We’ll have a read, a laugh & maybe even a few tears over a few farewell drinks 🍸